The kraziest of penguins

Ubuntu Touch is a mobile operating system at present available in beta and it is also known with the names as ‘Ubuntu Phone’ or ‘Ubuntu for devices. On the Android supported devices, you can install it by following some simple steps.

However, you should keep in mind that Ubuntu is not officially supported by many devices. But if you have second-generation Nexus 7, Nexus 4 or Nexus 10, then it is the best place for test drive for Ubuntu touch.

Cautions

This guide is not ideal for the beginners since they must have knowledge on Ubuntu command line and they should know how to use beta software. The idea of installing Ubuntu Touch on the main device is ideal as people should try on their spare smartphones or tablets first.

Since the process involves installation of mobile OS using the desktop version of Ubuntu, you need a PC or laptop running Ubuntu.

How to Install Ubuntu Touch

Step 1:

As Ubuntu is installed on the PC, make sure that the universe archive is enabled in it. Once Ubuntu universe archive is allowed, you can install the main tool for installation of Ubuntu Touch – the ubuntu-device-flash package.

Step 2:

(If 14.04 tools are already running, you can skip this step)

For installing Ubuntu for devices, you are required to have tools in the Phablet Tools PPA.

Now enable the Android Developer Mode for your device by going to Settings and tapping Build number 7 times. Also enable the USB Debugging.

Step 5:

The PC that runs Ubuntu is required to connect to your device where the Android asks for the authorization. Here you should find your device listed along with a series of letters and numbers. In case you don’t find the device shown there, type: adb kill-server

Step 6:

If you have already taken back up for Android data and apps, then it is ok. Otherwise, it is the time to take back up. In addition, write down the device type and ID for reinstallation of Adroid later.

Step 7:

Now it is the time to unlock bootloader in your device where the phone or tablet will be wiped out.

Type the prompt: adb reboot bootloader

To unlock the bootloader, type: sudo fastboot oem unlock

Now you select the ‘yes’ option from the warning window by pressing the power button.

To reboot the device, type: fastboot reboot

Step 8:

Switch off the device using its power button. Then use the correct physical button combination for rebooting the bootloader.